18 Years Ago, BioShock Changed Gaming Forever With Just Three Words

1 hour ago 13

Published Aug 29, 2026, 9:00 AM EDT

Known as 'Cyberpunk 2077's' biggest fan, Angharad is a Welsh games writer who thrives in anything related to digital storytelling. If a video game explores the intricacies and horrors of womanhood, she is there.

Thanks to previous work at GAMINGbible, GameByte, The Loadout, Game Luster, Angharad has built a strong understanding of both the digital world and what fans want from it and is eager to share her thoughts and expertise with readers.

If you were to ask me my favorite game of all time, the answer would be simple: BioShock. If you are also a lover of the 2007 first-person shooter from 2K Games, you will probably already know what I am talking about when I mention the three words that sent a shock wave across the gaming community during the penultimate moments of the game.

Despite rapidly approaching its 20th anniversary, BioShock is remembered fondly and, unlike many games of the time, it has aged well. As such, whilst a remaster may be available, a remake has never come to fruition and, in at least my opinion, it does not need one. Sure, its graphics may have aged with time, but there is no denying that its story is still one of the most impactful in gaming, with many still talking about that iconic twist to this day.

The Story So Far

If you are yet to play BioShock for yourself, and you have somehow dodged the aforementioned plot twist, you may want to skip over this article and experience its magic for yourself. However, if you are a veteran like myself, you will know that the unveiling of Frank Fontaine has cemented itself as one of the best gaming moments of all time.

Throughout the game and our journey across the underwater city of Rapture, we are guided by what seems like the only friendly face (or at least voice) around, Atlas. Offering a relaxing Irish accent and the heartbreaking story of his family who have fallen victim to the wiles of Andrew Ryan, we cling onto his voice in the hopes that we will escape, but as the story races towards its climax, we soon discover that Atlas is not who he says he is.

He is actually Frank Fontaine, a con man and criminal mastermind and, as the archenemy of Andrew Ryan, he has been using us to finally defeat the Rapture founder. Not only has he duped us with his accent and fake family, but his plan to overturn Rapture has been in motion since we were merely a child, and we have been subject to conditioning that would make us do Fontaine's bidding after hearing just a simple phrase: "Would you kindly?"

Would You Kindly?

How this story unfolds needs to be experienced for yourself as, despite playing BioShock multiple times over the past 20 years, it never stops leaving goosebumps in its wake. From the incredible voice performances to the stunning setting and everything in between, the second half of the game is a rollercoaster and one that deserves its merits almost two decades later.

Whilst many modern games have offered its audiences incredible narrative experiences, none have quite captured my heart as much as BioShock, and it is a game that I will always happily recommend to anybody and everybody.